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Week #2 Activities

1. Read
• TYPE RULES: text: Chapter #3: What Makes a Typeface Look the Way it Does
The basic elements of letter characters create the letterforms we recognize in our alphabet. Knowing the names of these character parts will help you recognize characteristics of type that express ideas and feelings.
AND
• Chpt. #4 Selecting the Right Type
Subtlety is a very important part of designing with type and design in general. The Categories of Type link below discusses the many differences to observe when looking at letterforms.

• Categories of Type
• Counter Space is a great website dedicated to typography and it's history.
Check out the ANATOMY: Character Structure and Measurements link in Counter Space (top of page)
• Readability
Readability refers to an extended amount of text, as in a book or magazine article, and how easy it is to read.
• Legibility
When a short amount of text can be easily recognizable
such as, headlines, subheads, street signs, posters, billboards.
• 10 Common Typography Mistakes
• Optical Alignment PDF
Observe the affect that alignment of characters can have on readability and legibility in this PDF.

2. Assignments
• Legibility/Readability Discussion
• Legibility/Readability Study

• Mildred's House of Signage
Signage in an urban environment.
Look through this sight and observe the different kinds of type used.
Be aware of the beauty of each letterform.

Letterforms

Letterform Slideshow

RESOURCES
• Type topics (Adobe)
• Real world tips for working with text in InDesign (Adobe press)
• Formatting text tutorial video-note that this is for CS2 but still applies to CS4
• Formatting text in InDesign CS3 video